Latvia Purchases M142 HIMARS and ATACMS

21 December, 2023 Illustrative photo of M142 HIMARS. Photo from open sources The Latvian Ministry of Defense has signed a contract for the purchase of M142 HIMARS rocket systems from the United States.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense reported on this. It is reported that Latvia is purchasing six systems along with ammunition, including ATACMS, and related equipment. The total value of the contract is estimated at £179.8 million.

"We have signed a contract with the United States of America for the purchase of HIMARS rocket systems and ammunition. The total contract amount is £179.8 million. The National Armed Forces will also receive ATACMS long-range missiles, which will significantly increase the firepower of the National Armed Forces.

This is also another important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Latvia and the United States and in developing NATO's defense capabilities," said Defense Minister Andris Spruds.

Loading a container of M30A1 rockets into an M142 HIMARS launcher of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, June 2020. Photo credits: DVIDS

Militarnyi reported in October 2023 that the United States has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to the Government of Latvia. The sale of rockets for MRL was also agreed upon, namely, 12 six-round containers with M30A2 rockets and another 12 containers with M31A2 rockets.

In addition, Latvia also received permission to purchase ten M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Pods. The Latvian Defense Ministry expects that HIMARS will be available to the country's Armed Forces by 2027.

Illustrative photo of M142 HIMARS. Photo from open sources

Militarnyi previously reported that Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds and United States Ambassador to Latvia Christopher Robinson signed an agreement on the purchase of Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense Systems.

The total cost of procurement will reach £105 million.

The U.S. will provide financial support for the acquisition of the Naval Strike Missile, covering 70% of the total cost, while Latvia will cover the remaining 30% of the costs.

It is reported that the systems should arrive in Latvia in 2027.